Millions are slaves to: cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, gambling, Cholesterol, & calories
We are victims of:: heart disease, emphysema, broken homes, and broken hearts.
All of these basically because we can't say "No!"
Because of the lack of self-discipline we have: Employees who embezzle, Employers who exploit, Students who cheat, and Criminals
Because of our lack of self-discipline our: Relationships are in ruins, Marriages are destroyed.
Even Adam and Eve could not say "NO". From Adam to each of us today, we are unable to discipline ourselves.
I would like for us to look into the New Testament to learn how to say "No" and move on!
1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) " ... train yourself to be godly."
(TLB) " Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit."
The biggest reason we don't have better spiritual lives is the lack of "exercising" We don't put any effort into "training ourselves to be godly." Godliness is in part based in being faithful in our spiritual exercises.
The responsibility for exercising discipline belongs to the believer. When we do our part God can do His part. Discipline is doing what God expects of us. Discipline focuses on God and His loving expectations. With out doubt, we are biblically mandated to be disciplined in our spiritual lives.
All through the Bible you can find examples and illustrations of spiritual disciplines.
I would like to look at the New Testament for a look at the expectations of the Christian life. As Paul writes to Timothy, he uses some metaphors to help us understand our Christian life.
2 Timothy 2:1-6 (NIV) "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. {2} And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. {3} Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. {4} No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. {5} Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. {6} The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops."
Paul told Timothy to be sure to pass on to others what I have taught you. Timothy's job was to teach others what it takes to live the Christian life. Basically, Paul tells Timothy that it takes strong discipline.
Paul knew the value of self-discipline. Pastors know the value of self-discipline. Spiritual counselors know the value of self-discipline. Look with me at the metaphors Paul uses in this passage.
When I think of the life of a soldier it is that they have no choice but to live a disciplined life. Our text says "endure hardship" " {4} No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-" In other words, you have a single focus. Focus on the spiritual life and forget anything that would distract
This mind set involves two aspects
The military illustration requires discipline
There are rules for competing. There is a persistence that any successful athlete endures. I have been involved in team sports on several occasions. There are always training exercises to endure. In football there is "hell week." Running, Tackling, Blocking, Wind sprints, Being yelling by coaches, and No rest during the practice sessions! Practice for days leading up to a single game.
The coach would dictate what I could and could not do even off the field. I had a curfew. My diet was restricted! The Olympic athletes devote their life to training. They are training NOW for the next competition!
Farmers work strenuously. There are certain times when they get no rest and work for hours and days with out end. When it is time for the harvest they work until the crop is in! The window for planting and harvest is pretty small.
Authentic Christianity is disciplined Christianity!! It is both negative and positive. Learn to think of the discipline as the way to become whole.
IT IS GOOD FOR YOU!!!
Let's look at a great New Testament passage: These are some positive things TO DO!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (NIV) "Be joyful always; {17} pray continually; {18} give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. {19} Do not put out the Spirit's fire; {20} do not treat prophecies with contempt. {21} Test everything. Hold on to the good. {22} Avoid every kind of evil.
CHRISTIANS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO LIVE DISCIPLINED LIVES!!
The New Testament tells us the same. Walk out this in your life. This is not to say that God abandons us. He does not expect us to be perfect. When we fail, he picks us up! The Holy Spirit is at our disposal to walk us through the difficulties of life. He is there to help. We, however, must do our part.
Where are you today?
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